Manatees are large, aquatic mammals, often called “sea cows,” known for their gentle demeanor and slow movement. Their calm presence leads many to wonder if they are inherently friendly towards humans. Understanding their natural behaviors and how humans should interact with them is important for their well-being and conservation.
Manatee Temperament and Natural Behavior
Manatees are known for their docile and non-aggressive nature, influenced by their evolutionary history and herbivorous diet. They primarily consume aquatic plants, which means they do not need to hunt or engage in aggressive predatory behaviors, contributing to their peaceful disposition. The near absence of natural predators has also shaped their calm temperament. While manatees may appear “friendly” due to their curious nature and occasional approach towards boats or swimmers, this behavior stems from inquisitiveness rather than a desire for human interaction. They are semi-social animals, often resting or engaging in playful activities like “bodysurfing” in strong currents.
Guidelines for Human Interaction
Given their protected status, specific guidelines exist to ensure human interactions do not harm manatees. Federal laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, protect manatees from harassment, harm, or killing. The Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 further declares Florida a refuge for manatees and prohibits annoying, molesting, harassing, or disturbing them. Violating these laws can result in substantial fines and imprisonment.
When observing manatees, adhere to the following guidelines:
Look but do not touch, maintaining a respectful distance of at least one human body length if in the water, or two kayak lengths if paddling.
Do not feed manatees or give them water, as this is illegal and can alter their natural foraging behaviors, making them dependent on humans.
Avoid chasing or blocking their path.
Minimize excessive noise and splashing, as these actions can disturb their natural resting or traveling patterns.
The Importance of Responsible Manatee Viewing
Adhering to responsible viewing guidelines is important for manatee conservation. When manatees become accustomed to human presence, it can alter their natural behaviors and lead them into dangerous situations. This habituation can cause manatees to lose their natural fear of boats, increasing their risk of injury or death from boat strikes, which is a leading cause of human-related manatee fatalities.
Human interference can also disrupt important natural behaviors such as feeding, resting, and migration to warm-water habitats during colder months. Disturbance can cause manatees to expend energy avoiding human contact or leave safe areas, making them vulnerable to cold exposure or boat traffic. Protecting manatees through responsible viewing contributes to broader conservation efforts.